A little sunshine never fails to brighten our mood. But like most things, nothing too much is ever good. Long exposure to the sun without proper protection can be damaging to our skin. So, if you’re looking for sun protection in the form of hats, you’re at the right place. Below are some of our favorite UPF sun hats for women. They’re not only stylish but also offer amazing sun protection with built-in UPF.
Don’t mistake them for SPF sun hats for women, though. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a rating system similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for sunscreens but for clothing, including hats. Fret not; from cute packable hats to wide-brim beach hats, the following hats all have a UPF rating of 50. So, grab your sunglasses, explore our picks, and find the perfect hat to keep you safe and stylish under the sun!
Table of contents
- Scala Knitted Poly Straw Hat
- Comhats Packable Sun Hat
- Varabella Sun Hat
- Brixton Joanna Hat
- Coolibar Brittany Beach Hat
- Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat
- Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat II
- Double Couple Floppy Straw Hat
- San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraided Rollup Visor
- INOGIH Outdoor Foldable Sun Hat
- Leotruny Super Wide Brim Sun Hat
- Wallaroo Hat Company Montecito Sun Hat
- Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best UPF Sun Hats for Women?
- Is a sun hat as good as sunscreen?
- Do UPF hats work?
- Can UV rays penetrate hats?
Scala Knitted Poly Straw Hat
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When we first saw the Scala Knitted Poly Straw Hat, we were immediately captivated by its pretty aesthetics. But this hat is more than just a good-looking accessory. First and foremost, the hat offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which means it blocks out over 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is essential for protecting your skin from sun damage, sunburn, and even premature aging, which we’re sure you’ll want to avoid.
In addition, this hat is made from a lightweight and soft acrylic fiber. Though not a natural material, it reminded us of wool. This makes it comfortable to wear all day long, even on hot days. Meanwhile, the big brim, measuring 3 inches wide, provides ample shade for your face, neck, and ears. Aside from that, the hat comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to find one that matches your preferences. We also think it can be a great travel hat for spring.
Pros
- It’s perfect for traveling, as this hat is crushable.
- It comes with an adjustable drawstring, ensuring a comfy fit.
- Even after being folded, it won’t have any crease.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey.
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Comhats Packable Sun Hat
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The Comhats Packable Sun Hat isn’t just pretty, it’s also incredibly convenient. Featuring a stylish little bow on the side, we could fold this hat effortlessly into such a compact size, making it a breeze to pack in our bag. No more worries about taking up precious luggage space! Additionally, with a brim size of 4 to 4.5 inches, this packable sun hat for women offers shade for most face shapes and sizes.
Regarding sun protection, this hat boasts a UPF 50+ rating, shielding your face from harmful UV rays. Designed with your comfort in mind, the hat also features a moisture-wicking drawstring band to keep you cool and dry throughout the day. It comes with an adjustable and detachable chin strap for added security, ensuring the hat stays put even on windy days. Finally, it comes in several colors to choose from. However, there was just something about the navy variant that made us fall in love.
Pros
- It comes with a detachable windproof chin strap.
- It’s one of the most packable hats on the market.
- It’s also waterproof.
Cons
- It’s a bit too floppy for some people’s preferences.
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Varabella Sun Hat
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The beautiful Varabella Sun Hat, crafted from durable paper straw, pairs perfectly with everything from your favorite travel dresses to chic high-waisted shorts. But what surprised us the most was the hidden wire brim to maintain its shape. This clever design allows the hat to remain sturdy yet soft and flexible. We could even fold it for convenient storage.
Thanks to the hat’s adjustable design, it was able to fit our heads even though they vary in size. Not to mention, it comes in a delightful array of colors. However, the Verabella offers more than just style. It boasts UPF 50+ sun protection to keep you safe under the summer sun. Meanwhile, the absorbent inner sweatband will keep you cool and comfortable, and the removable chin strap will ensure the hat stays put on windy days.
Pros
- There’s a bow ribbon that makes the hat look more feminine.
- It’s both breathable and moisture-wicking.
- You can easily fold it and keep it inside your bag.
Cons
- Some of the colors look similar.
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Brixton Joanna Hat
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Chic and sun-safe, the Brixton Joanna Hat is a must-have fashion accessory for your next adventure. This hat effortlessly exudes an elegant look. The woven wheat straw construction felt light yet sturdy, and we also liked how the grosgrain band made the hat even more charming. What’s more, this hat comes in various colors, allowing you to find one that complements your style.
This hat is a win for sun-conscious individuals. The wide brim, measuring 4 inches, effectively shades your face, neck, and ears. The 100% wheat straw material also boasts a powerful 50+ UPF rating, providing excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Another thing that impressed us was the adjustable Velcro strap hidden under the sweatband, which allowed us to personalize the fit. Take a closer look at this hat by watching its product video!
Pros
- This hat has a stylish and sophisticated design.
- It comes with a wide brim for excellent sun protection.
- It has a lightweight and breathable material.
Cons
- It runs a bit big.
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Coolibar Brittany Beach Hat
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The Coolibar Brittany Beach Hat offers a winning combination of sun protection, style, and functionality. With a UPP 50+ rating, it can block a whopping 98% of UVA and UVB rays, offering excellent sun protection for your neck, face, and ears. The MVP, though, is the 6-inch brim. It gave us ample shade, keeping us cool and comfy when the rest were suffering from the sun.
Furthermore, the hat’s size is easy to adjust. The internal elastic band allows for a personalized fit, ensuring the hat stays comfortable and secure on most head sizes. Moreover, the fully lined crown offers extra comfort and prevents the hat from feeling stiff against your head. Last but not least, the grosgrain sweatband helps absorb moisture, keeping you cool and dry.
Pros
- The hat comes in a variety of colors to suit your style.
- It can be easily folded or rolled up for convenient storage and travel.
- Versatile enough to be worn for everyday activities, traveling, and other activities.
Cons
- It’s hand-wash only, which might be inconvenient for some people.
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Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat
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Need a sun hat that not only offers protection but also panache? Look no further than the Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat. The most important feature of any sun hat is its ability to shield you from harmful rays. This hat excels in this department, boasting a UPF 50+ rating. We also liked the 3.75-inch wide as we could roll it up and down however we wanted. Think cowboy chic and classic sun hat silhouette!
For the material, we have to give the breathable polyester braid construction two thumbs up. It ensured we could stay comfortable even though the weather was crazy hot. The material is lightweight and allows for airflow, preventing sweat build-up. The best part? This hat also comes with a corded leatherette headband adorned with decorative bead accents, making it a standout.
Pros
- The adjustable headband promises a comfy and secure fit.
- It comes with an adjustable chinstrap to keep the hat in place on windy days.
- The shapeable brim allows you to wear the shape in different styles.
Cons
- It’s a bit too big for some women.
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Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat II
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The Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat II isn’t your average sun hat. As the name suggests, this hat is built for convenience. The lightweight, packable design allows you to easily toss it in your bag without worrying about it taking up space. We also loved how the flexible weave would bounce back to its original shape even after we folded and crumpled it. No matter what, it’ll always look its best.
On top of that, it also offers superior sun protection with its UPF 50 rating and Omni-Shade technology. This combination blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, shielding your head, cheeks, and neck from sun damage. Plus, even when we were facing strong winds, the adjustable chin strap kept the hat securely in place. It’s a hat you’ll want to wear wherever you go. For the full information about this hat, click here!
Pros
- This hat has a feminine cut.
- It’s available in multiple attractive color options.
- The brim provides more than ample coverage.
Cons
- The brim is prone to wrinkles.
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Double Couple Floppy Straw Hat
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Best Budget. With such an affordable price tag, the Double Couple Floppy Straw Hat is a steal. Made from 100% paper, the hat felt lightweight yet surprisingly thick and soft. This not only provided us with a luxurious feel but also helped keep our heads cool on a super hot day. With a one-size-fits-most design and an internal adjustable drawstring, the hat comfortably accommodates a variety of head shapes and sizes.
Moreover, the classic floppy silhouette with a simple ribbon bowknot adds an elegant vibe to any outfit. Whether rocking a maxi dress, shorts, or a t-shirt, this hat complements your look effortlessly. As one of the best women’s sun hats with UV protection, it also boasts a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Pretty awesome for a cheap hat, right? For other similar options, check out these floppy sun hats for women.
Pros
- It’s a versatile option that can be worn for a day at the beach, camping, traveling, and more.
- The 4.8-inch brim is wider than most hats.
- The addition of the ribbon makes it extra feminine.
Cons
- It’s important to handle it with care to avoid damaging the material.
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San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraided Rollup Visor
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Best Visor. The San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraided Rollup Visor is the ideal stylish sun protection on the go. It boasts a UPF 50+ rating, which means it blocks over 97.5% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping your face and neck safe on sunny days. Made with a blend of paper and polyester, this visor is comfortable to wear and offers a good fit. The 4-inch brim was able to give us ample shade, protecting not only our faces and ears but also our necks from the sun.
This visor’s best feature is none other than its packability. Once we were done using it, we could easily roll it up, making it a great choice for travel or throwing in your bag for outdoor adventures. Best of all, with a hook and loop closure, you can adjust the fit of this hat easily. There’s no reason to say no to this awesome hat!
Pros
- This beach hat is available in various vibrant colors.
- It’s both comfortable and breathable.
- Easily rolls up for convenient storage in your purse or luggage.
Cons
- This visor hat may not fit all head sizes comfortably.
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INOGIH Outdoor Foldable Sun Hat
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Best for Ponytails. The INOGIH Outdoor Foldable Sun Hat is designed with ladies with ponytails in mind. Featuring a baseball cap-inspired rear opening, some of our team members were able to wear their hair up in a ponytail or bun comfortably. This hat is also a champion of portability and comfort, boasting a lightweight build and breathable mesh sides.
“This hat is a game-changer. With this hat, you can now show off your beautiful ponytail without sacrificing protection.”
WOW Travel
No more worrying about gusts of wind or hat mishaps! The adjustable chin strap and customizable circumference ensure you’ll always have a secure fit. In addition to that, with snaps on the sides of the brim, you can button them up for a stylish, slightly Western look. And the best part? This hat comes in a vibrant spectrum of seven colors.
Pros
- Perfect for those who want to wear their hair up.
- Though cheap, this hat doesn’t feel flimsy.
- It can be rolled up.
Cons
- Women with large heads might want to check these sun hats for women with big heads instead.
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Leotruny Super Wide Brim Sun Hat
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Best Wide-Brim. Looking for reliable sun hats with UPF for women? Look no further than the Leotruny Super Wide Brim Sun Hat. Its generously sized brim, stretching 5.9 inches wide, offered comprehensive protection for our faces, necks, ears, and even our shoulders. It was the widest that we’ve ever tried. Whether you’re tending to your garden, conquering a challenging hike, setting up camp for the night, or simply soaking up the sun at the beach, this hat ensures you stay comfortably shaded.
But sun protection isn’t all it boasts. This sun hat for ladies also prioritizes both comfort and adjustability. The built-in elastic drawstring allowed us to achieve a customized fit. According to the brand, it fits heads with circumferences ranging from 22.8 to 23.2 inches. Additionally, the adjustable chin strap offers peace of mind, keeping the hat securely in place on windy days or during any vigorous activity.
Pros
- Thanks to the mesh side panels, this hat is breathable.
- It is one of the best options for outdoor activities.
- This waterproof hat offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Cons
- It’s not machine washable.
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Wallaroo Hat Company Montecito Sun Hat
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Stylish and protective, the Wallaroo Hat Company Montecito Sun Hat is another awesome addition to this list. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 on its official website, there’s no reason for you not to check it out. We particularly were impressed with its classic design. It looked good on us, and we enjoyed wearing it on a breezy beach day. Thanks to the adjustable drawstring, the hat was able to stay in our heads all the time.
Sun protection, you said? Fret not, as this hat boasts a UPF rating of 50+ to shield you from harmful UV rays. Beyond its functionality, the Montecito offers a touch of elegance. The 4-inch brim provided us with ample shade for our faces and necks, while the woven texture made it look more sophisticated. But functionality doesn’t stop there. This hat is also crafted from a breathable material, keeping you cool and comfortable on even the hottest days.
Pros
- The packable design makes it the perfect travel companion.
- Designed in Australia.
- This hat can withstand strong winds, thanks to the chin strap.
Cons
- There are limited color options.
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Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
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Best Overall. Say goodbye to sunburns and hello to comfort with the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney, one of the top-selling women’s hats with sun protection. This hat lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and functionality, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. Its impressive UPF 50 rating shields your face from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns even during extended exposure. We were particularly impressed by the hat’s exceptional breathability. The innovative Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh vent panel effectively wick away moisture, keeping your head cool and comfortable, especially on scorching hot days.
Windy conditions can be a nuisance, but this hat has you covered. The adjustable chin strap and drawcord ensure a secure fit, preventing the hat from blowing off even in strong winds. Need to pack light? No problem! This hat boasts a conveniently packable design. Once we folded it, we could put it inside our backpack easily as it took minimal space. Psst! It also makes a good hiking sun hat for women.
Pros
- This hat comes in a plethora of different shades.
- The mesh vent panel and moisture-wicking properties make it a nice choice for outdoor use.
- It can be worn by both men and women.
Cons
- The one-size-fits-all can be a hit or miss.
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Our Verdict!
We’ve worn and tested all of the hats above, and we think the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney is the best overall option. It checks all the right boxes and offers amazing sun protection. Not your cup of tea? It’s okay, as it’s not made for everyone. If you’re looking for an alternative, check out the ones below! They’re the standouts in their respective categories.
- Best Wide-Brim: Leotruny Super Wide Brim Sun Hat
- Best for Ponytails: INOGIH Outdoor Foldable Sun Hat
- Best Visor: San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraided Rollup Visor
- Best Budget: Double Couple Floppy Straw Hat
How To Choose The Best UPF Sun Hats for Women?
Choosing the right sun hat is crucial for effective sun protection. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
UPF Rating
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays. When choosing a sun hat, you should aim for a UPF of 50+, which blocks 98% of both UVA and UVB rays and offers the highest level of protection.
Fabric
When it comes to fabrics, hats made from tightly woven materials like cotton, polyester, or nylon are the best. That’s because they naturally offer better UPF protection compared to loosely woven fabrics. You can also look for hats with additional UV protective features, such as special fabric treatments or built-in sun protection technologies.
Fit and style
Wide-brim sun hats, ideally 3-4 inches or more, provide the most comprehensive shade for your face, ears, and neck. In addition, you can also consider bucket hats with chin straps for added security and all-around UV protection, especially for windy conditions.
Is a sun hat as good as sunscreen?
Sun hats and sunscreen are both effective sun protection methods, but neither one is definitively better than the other. Sun hats are great at providing a physical barrier against UV rays and need no reapplication, and sunscreen can be applied to all exposed skin and is more portable.
Do UPF hats work?
Yes, UPF hats can be a very effective way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, especially those with a UPF rating of 50+. They prevent UV rays from reaching your head, ears, neck, and parts of your face.
Can UV rays penetrate hats?
UV rays can penetrate hats, but the extent of their penetration depends on several factors. Hats with a higher UPF rating offer better protection. A UPF of 50+ indicates that less than 2% of UV rays can penetrate the fabric. Also, tightly woven fabrics like those used in legionnaire hats or sun hats with UPF 50+ ratings offer better protection than loosely woven materials.
